Sports Takes and Predictions

Will the Jets Brutalize the Packers?

NFL week eight has its share of good matchups. I’m going to preview the three games I think are most important, but I also think it’s worth paying attention to these three in addition:

4-2 Tampa Bay Buccaneers at 3-3 Arizona Cardinals – I think the East Coast travelling to West Coast rules will apply here and the Cardinals will get the victory.

4-2 Seattle Seahawks at 3-4 Oakland Raiders – It’s strength versus strength as Oakland’s 3rd ranked rushing offense faces off against Seattle’s 2nd ranked rushing defense. I like the Seahawks because I think their defense will hold the Raiders to below 20 points.

2-4 Minnesota Vikings at 5-1 New England Patriots – This game will get the most attention this week. There’s a number of storylines, not the least of which is the return of Randy Moss to New England. I think he could present trouble for the Patriots secondary but I’m still picking them to get the W.

Now, on to the third most important game of NFL week eight.

3. Green Bay Packers at New York Jets
Sunday, 1:00 pm

Will Sanchez and the Jets Knock Back the Packers?

No team has been hit harder by injuries than Green Bay. They’ve lost two major pieces of their offense while also dealing with numerous injuries on the other side of the ball that have caused key defenders to miss games. Despite all of that they are 4-3 and are coming off an important win over Minnesota. At 5-1 the Jets have had an excellent season so far and should be mostly healthy and well rested after having their bye last weekend. Right now I’d rank them as the top team in the NFL. And this week Darrelle Revis has pronounced himself 100% healthy.

The Packers win if: Their defense can slow the Jets running game. Green Bay has struggled against the run and currently ranks 23rd in the NFL. New York has excelled in the running game, ranking 2nd in the NFL.

The Jets win if: They can get to Aaron Rodgers early. The Packers have done a better job in pass protection this season. The Jets pass rush has not been as explosive as last year but this could be their breakout game. Rodgers will be Green Bay’s entire offense so him staying upright is critical.

Who do I like: New York Jets 27-13

Why?: The Packers were my preseason NFC Super Bowl pick but their injuries are just too much to overcome to beat the Jets coming off a bye week in New York.